Ordinance will remove the existing plumbing permit requirement for residents installing a simple greywater system to irrigate yards, gardens, and other outdoor areas around their homes

San Francisco, CA-- Today, Supervisor Scott Wiener will introduce legislation to remove the permit requirement for residents who want to install simple recycled water systems to irrigate gardens, yards, and other outdoor areas around their homes. Currently, a plumbing permit is required to install these simple greywater systems, adding cost and impediments that can discourage residents from making home improvements to conserve water.

Earlier this year, Supervisor Wiener authored legislation to require onsite water recycling systems in new large developments, which the Board of Supervisors passed unanimously in June. This made San Francisco the first city in the country to require recycled water to be used for irrigation and toilet flushing in new housing an office developments.